Consistent with a recent ruling from the Israeli Supreme Court, it is vital that the IDF take, in good faith, appropriate investigatory steps in response to any use of force during the recent violence in Gaza that appears to have been improper.

In dismissing a petition against the rules of engagement governing use of force by the Israeli security forces in the violent clashes in Gaza, the court asserted a controversial interpretation of what international law requires of the Israeli security forces.

The past week saw the culmination of a major shift in US policy as the United States formally opened its embassy in Jerusalem. Yet ongoing protests along the border with the Gaza Strip and the Israeli government’s harsh response have provided a sharp contrast to the hopeful rhetoric surrounding the embassy’s opening ceremony. On Friday, Lawfare senior editor Scott Anderson spoke with Khaled Elgindy, Natan Sachs, and Sarah Yerkes to sort through the headlines.

Israel's State Comptroller report on the IDF's conduct in Operation Protective Edge raises questions about the effectiveness and credibility of existing accountability mechanisms within the Israeli military. What’s more, the delays described in the report might undermine the legitimacy of IDF’s investigation procedures in the eyes of the Israeli public and international observers.